Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1887-05-05
THE MANI..C'S BRIDE.


men said, for miles of old workings,
which they, or even their fathers be-
fore them, knew nothing 0f, and could
not find their way about, il WAS deter
miDed by the owners tn sink II fresh
shaft and commence working the other
side of the hill.
There was at that time in our employ,
as viewer or Overseer, a man of the
name of Timnfins, q rigid Wesleyan
and good workman, but of reserved
and morose temper and with whom the
men did not care to meddle. About
this time the smallpox commenced its
ravages dreadfully in the neighbOrhoOd,
and Timmins' wife, to whom he was
devotedly attached, became one of the
first victims, being carried off in a very
short time.
This loss seemed quite to have chang
ed the man. From stern religionist
he turned to drink. and no one was
more reckless, moro debauched and de-
graded.
His employers demonstrated with
him, and told him they would be oblig-
ed to part, that he was only setting the
men bad example instead of keeping
them out of danger; but remonstrance
was thrown away, and finally they were
obliged to tell him that at the end of
the week he would be discharged.
He went to his work, but after day
or so he was missed, and when pay
night came he did not appear at the
table, so the cashier said:
~ suppose Timmins is drunk again;
he'll come some other time"
But the men shook their heads dark
ly, and said among themselves they
never thought any good would come Of
Black Jack Timmins.
Now it happened about this time
there was appointed to our mine new
manager. Mr.. Woodward soon showed
himself a clever man, and from the
kindness and geniality of his temper
made himself beloved amongst the men,
race always grateful for kindness.
His daughter Meta was II, and possess
ed one of those charming faces which
to look at was to love.
They arrived at the new shaft one
noon, and, after the cage had been ar
ranged, Mr.. Woodward, his daughter
and a miner named Baccup descended.
They were each provided with candles,
and, arriving at the bottom, proceeded
to visit the men in their several work.
ipgs.
They had been into several, and were
thinking of returning, whenjust as they
came to an intercepting gallery vio-
lent gush of wind extinguished all three
candles. and left them in perfect dark
ness. For the first few moments no one
spoke, and then Mr.. Woodward en-
couraged his daughter, by telling her
that, although doubtless very untoward
to be left without light, still there
could be no possible danger, as all they
would have to do was to keep straight
forward, and they would come to the
end of the eshaft, and most likely some of
the men would meet or overtake them,
when they could procure light. Act
ing on this suggestion they continued
walking on. When they had entered
the pit with their lights and were full
of confidence, the distance appeared
short, but now in the pitchy, Egyptian
darkness, it seemed as if they could
never find their way out. Minutes
seemed heightened into hours, and still
they walked and walked and seemed
no nearer their destination. At length
Metals delicate frame succumbed to the
unwonted exeation.
Raising the young girl between them
they again essayed to find their doubt
full way. But soon the road became
rough and broken, and they could now
realize that they had indeed, wandered
from the right track and were lost in
the old galleries. At length the strong
men could go no further, and laying
ha ~ II thA 20
himself by her side and said:
"Meta, darling, we have wandered
from the right track; it would be use
less going further in this darkness, as
we don't know but we may be only
wandering further from the aid and
assistance that will be shortly seeking
us.u
II don't know why it is, papa, but !
feel firm conviction that I shall never
reach home alive. I pray that you
might he spared, for it was my folly |
that brought us all here"
Hours passed and still no signs of the |
promised assistance; their strength be- |
gan to fail, for where isthere anything
that robs one of all strength of purpose |
and of body as when the bright goddess
hope takes her departure? It was Just |
at moment when Mr.. Woodward felt |
his senses leave him with anguish that
Meta exclaimed;
Papa! is that a star see shining in
the distance?"
They looked and behold faint
glimmer of light. Hope Immediately
spranp up again in their minds.
They raised feeble shout, but far
from answering their hopes of expedit-
ing the assistance they stood so much
in need of, it seemed to have contrary
effect, for the light Immediately disap-
peared.
Shortly the light began to glimmer
again, and presently they could perceive
q figure approaching them-it was that
Of a man almost skeleton. His black
locks hung down to his waist, whilst in
his eyes the fire of insanity cleaned
and flashed.
"The Black jack" whispered Bac-
cup.
And then they heard the madman
exclaim:
"Who is it that invades my last
home, who, after taking all held dear,
drove me from the earth, and even in
hell can't let me rest?"
He approached. and suddenly his ewes
fell on Meta, lying on theground insen-
sible.
MARY, my darling, are you returned
to comfort me?-you come back to.
He, ha! l see the halo around her
head. Man nor devils shan't part us!n
and rushing forward he raised the
70 ip finc osi ri In hiu a rtIoc ot1A aod exx,sff